2012 was a year of ups and downs..
The downs, for the first time in a while, were few. . .I hurt my knees, again, one which may need surgery after three different dogs slammed into it. . meaning I at least for now, have to give up showing my own dogs. . .this may not seem like much to some, but to me, it is disappointing. I have three DC quality girls, and promisng youngsters, and may have to sit outside the ring and watch them. I have a wonderful handler in friend Kari, but I'd much rather do it myself
The last pup from my 2nd litter passed on at 11.5. . .quietly, in her sleep. Couldn't ask for a better way to go, while her nephew Payton was not as lucky, but he passed away in the hands of a good friend at too young of age at almost 7.
But the good things made it worth while
Bounce's 1st coursing Major(5 points) coming within weeks of her first show major, and then me handling her to Best op in sweeps at the hound show down South. (I hurt myself the next time out :P) She then went on to to finish her GRC by beating Jenny three times and finishing the year by winning the LGRA nationals. My first dog to be awarded that nice win!
Payton being awarded Reserve Winners Dog at the Borzoi Club of Greater NY specialty, and then picking up almost all his points in limited showing with Kari. He lacked only his major when he left. My heart goes out to his still grieving owner.
Jenny's finishing her FC with a fourth major, then on to finishing her SGRCII and then on to win the NOTRA nationals! She is now in training for Rally and I hope she'll be out showing this year in between running.
Ziva picking up her 2nd coursing major and some singles, and finishing her SGRC, as well as picking up a few singles in the ring. Best thing is seeing her blossom into a confident young lady who enjoys the show ring with Kari.
Gibbs wowing his mom with a major win first time out on the field. The look of shock all three times he's done well has been worth the placements more than anything. He also cleared all his health tests, and has his Chic #
Nacht moving on to a great home, where she's been out coursing, picking up a point or two in AKC and working on her LCM, she's now training in Obedience. The love that little girl has on her face for her mama makes that placement worth everything.
Secret finally running hard and finishing her GRC. .. as the oldest girl I'm running by 2-5 yrs, I never expected her to finish, so it was a nice surprise to happen, especially considering how haphazard her running was. Very much a princess, if she had no desire to run that day, everyone knew it LOL
Bella growing into a lovely lady, finally, no longer all legs, has her GRC, and will be working on her coursing title this year.
And Mr Maui doing great work as service/therapy dog, going to hospitals, being read to by kids, visiting the veterans homes.
But the biggest high of the year, was welcoming Secret's little Secrets into this world. . Duckie reminds me so much of his Aunt Gossip and great Uncle Obie, it's no surprise to anyone that he is staying here. Scarlet is a spitfire to the Nth degree, and those who know me will shake their head and say no surprise she's staying either. She will be co-owned with Margaret and live with me. The other boy, Traveler, has moved on to live with Nacht in the wonderful hands of Wendy & Frank. Keen, handsome, and smart as hell, they're goign to have a lot of fun with him, while Blondie grows out here some more until the absolutely perfect home comes along. She self stacks and is also keen. I am soo happy with this litter
